Butler County, Iowa Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · IA
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 27th
Butler County faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 27.1, 27th national percentile), driven primarily by drought and winter weather exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $15M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Butler County carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 27.1 out of 100 — placing it in the 27th national percentile and among the lowest-risk counties in the country. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
Risk here concentrates in drought (extended dry periods that stress water supplies and agriculture) at Medium risk — $2M in expected annual loss and about 18.43 events per year; winter weather (heavy snow, blizzards, and hazardous winter conditions) at Low risk — $139K in expected annual loss and about 17.74 events per year; and hail (ice stones from severe thunderstorms that damage property and crops) at Low risk — $527K in expected annual loss and about 5.09 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $15M in expected annual loss for a population of 14K.
Beyond physical exposure, Butler County has a very low social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a very high community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). A less vulnerable population paired with strong resilience helps the community absorb and recover from events.
History supports the rating: Butler County has received 25 federal disaster declarations since 1965, including 11 for severe storm events and 11 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding (severe storm), declared in May 2024.
Among 99 Iowa counties, Butler County ranks #72 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Drought | Medium | 18.43 / yr | $2M |
| Winter Weather | Low | 17.74 / yr | $139K |
| Hail | Low | 5.09 / yr | $527K |
| Strong Wind | Medium | 5.01 / yr | $1M |
| Tornado | Low | 0.57 / yr | $2M |
| Cold Wave | Low | 9.63 / yr | $1M |
| Riverine Flood | Low | 3.21 / yr | $7M |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $15K |
| Landslide | Very Low | 0.06 / yr | $230 |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.52 / yr | $27K |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 3.74 / yr | $45K |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $3K |
| Earthquake | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $14K |
| Lightning | Very Low | 40.82 / yr | $36K |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Tsunami | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Volcanic Activity | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Butler County has received 25 federal disaster declarations since 1965, most recently Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding in May 2024. Most frequent causes: Severe Storm (11), Flood (11), Biological (2).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| May 2024 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| March 2019 | Flood | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| October 2016 | Flood | Severe Storms and Flooding |
| July 2015 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| August 2014 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| July 2014 | Flood | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding |
| July 2013 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
| July 2013 | Severe Storm | Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding |
Showing the 10 most recent of 25 declarations.
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Butler County?
Butler County has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 27.1 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 27th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Butler County?
The three highest-rated hazards are Drought (Medium, $2M EAL), Winter Weather (Low, $139K EAL), Hail (Low, $527K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Butler County compare to other Iowa counties?
Butler County ranks #72 of 99 Iowa counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Butler County had?
FEMA records 25 federal disaster declarations for Butler County since 1965, most often 11 for severe storm events and 11 for flood events. The most recent was Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding, declared in May 2024.
What does Expected Annual Loss (EAL) mean?
EAL is FEMA's estimate of average annual dollar losses from natural hazards, calculated from historical event data and exposure models. Butler County's $15M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.